In the wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of his country to opt for a 'Janata Curfew'  (people's curfew) on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a special address to the nation, Modi said: "Today I am requesting the people of the country for a Janata curfew, on March 22, this Sunday, from between 7 a.m to 9 p.m.

"...This is a public curfew. Janata curfew means for the public, curfew imposed on the public by themselves."

He urged people to follow this 'curfew', not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes.

He further urged people above the age of 60 should avoid going out in the coming weeks.

"Today everyone has to take a resolve to not get infected by the Covid-19 and also save others from getting Covid-19. In such a pandemic case, only one mantra works, if we are healthy, then the entire world is healthy," he said.

At a time when there is no vaccine or medicine have been made against the disease, the only thing to stay safe is restraint, he said. "Don't go in the crowds, avoid going out and what today is being called social distancing in the era of Covid-19 is very useful," he said.

"Our resolve and restraint is going to play very important role in fighting Covid-19." He said it was a global pandemic, a situation the like of which the world had not faced before, not even during the two world wars. And it called for a global response and resolve to fight it, he said. He said the resolve of every Indian should be to stay healthy and keep the world healthy.

He also urged 1.3 billion Indians to go out on their balconies on Sunday and applaud in unison to show the nation's appreciation for the selfless work of doctors, nurses, health workers, cleaning workers, delivery people, forces, media people and all others who were in the service or security business and could not stay at home. 

India on Thursday registered 22 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of affected persons to 173. At least four people have died, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.